Knot tying tool

ABSTRACT

Tools and methods are discussed for tying a knot. A knot tying tool can include an elongated housing and an insert member. The housing can have first and second body portions having different outer cross-sections. A first chamber can extend within the housing with a slit that opens into the chamber. The insert member can also have a slit opening into a second chamber. The insert member can have an inner cylinder rotatable and movable within the first chamber. Rotation of the inner cylinder within the first chamber can move the knot tying tool between a locked and an unlocked position, the first and second slits being aligned in the unlocked position to allow a line to pass through the first and second slits into the second chamber.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS

Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority claimis identified in the Application Data Sheet as filed with the presentapplication are hereby incorporated by reference under 37 CFR 1.57.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This disclosure is related generally to a knot tying tool. Inparticular, devices and methods related to forming a knot around an itemwith a cord are disclosed.

2. Description of the Related Art

The need to form a knot in a cord arises in many different contexts. Forexample, fishing line must be secured tightly to a fishing hook so thatthe hook does not detach from the fishing line. Although a fisherman maybe able to tie the requisite fishing knot from the comfort of his or herown home, external conditions can impair this important task. Forinstance, when attempting to tie a knot in a fishing line while on aboat, conditions such as wet hands, slippery lines, or a moving boat canmake the task very difficult. The small width of the fishing line and ofthe loop on the hook through which the line is threaded furtherexacerbates the difficulties with tying the knot in any environment.This is merely one example in which forming a knot is necessary and ofthe difficulties associated with attempting to do so. Other contextsapply as well, such as sewing textiles where a thread must be secured toa needle, forming a knot with a suture in a medical context, repairingfabric, etc.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is in the need of the art for a tool and method forconveniently and simply forming a knot with a cord. A knot tying tool,such as THE KNOT MASTER (TKM), can provide such a solution. Theembodiments disclosed herein each have several aspects no single one ofwhich is solely responsible for the disclosure's desirable attributes.Without limiting the scope of this disclosure, its more prominentfeatures will now be briefly discussed. After considering thisdiscussion, and particularly after reading the section entitled“Detailed Description of Certain Embodiments,” one will understand howthe features of the embodiments described herein provide advantages overexisting devices and methods for forming a knot.

Tools and methods are disclosed for tying a knot. A knot tying tool caninclude an elongated housing and an insert member. The housing can havefirst and second body portions having different outer cross-sections. Afirst chamber can extend within the housing with a slit that opens intothe chamber. The insert member can also have a slit opening into asecond chamber. The insert member can have an inner cylinder rotatableand movable within the first chamber. Rotation of the inner cylinderwithin the first chamber can move the knot tying tool between a lockedand an unlocked position, the first and second slits being aligned inthe unlocked position to allow a line to pass through the first andsecond slits into the second chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects and advantages are described belowwith reference to the drawings, which are intended to illustrate but notto limit the invention. In the drawings, like reference charactersdenote corresponding features consistently throughout similarembodiments.

FIGS. 1A-1B are perspective views of a knot tying tool.

FIGS. 2A-2D are perspective views of a first component or housing of theknot tying tool of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 3A-3C are perspective views of second component or insert memberof the knot tying tool of FIGS. 1A-1B.

FIGS. 4A-4D are perspective views of the knot tying tool of FIGS. 1A-1Bin an unlocked position.

FIGS. 5A-5C are perspective views of the knot tying tool of FIGS. 1A-1Bin a locked position.

FIGS. 6A-6G illustrate another embodiment of knot tying tool.

FIGS. 7-7L show a method of tying fishing line to a hook with the knottying tool of FIGS. 6A-6G.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specificembodiments of a knot tying tool. In this description, reference is madeto the drawings wherein like parts or steps may be designated with likenumerals throughout for clarity. Reference in this specification to “oneembodiment,” “an embodiment,” or “in some embodiments” means that aparticular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connectionwith the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of theinvention. The appearances of the phrases “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or “in some embodiments” in various places in thespecification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of otherembodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may beexhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, variousrequirements are described which may be requirements for someembodiments but may not be requirements for other embodiments.

Embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference tothe accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elementsthroughout. The terminology used in the description presented herein isnot intended to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner,simply because it is being utilized in conjunction with a detaileddescription of certain specific embodiments of the development.Furthermore, embodiments of the disclosure may include several novelfeatures, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirableattributes or which is essential to practicing the disclosure describedherein.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views of a knot tying tool 100 forforming a knot with a cord or line 400. The knot tying tool 100 may beused in many different contexts. For instance the knot tying tool 100may be used for forming a knot around an item of interest. In somesituations the item of interest is a fishing hook and the cord 400 is afishing line. The knot tying tool 100 can be used to conveniently andeasily tie a knot with the fishing line around the fishing hook. Inaddition, the tool 100 can be used to attach weights, lures, and/oradditional line to the fishing line 400. The knot tying tool 100 andassociated methods of using the knot tying tool 100 therefore provide asimple and convenient solution to securely forming a knot with the cord400 and an item of interest.

In addition, the knot tying tool 100 can assist the user in forming anumber of different knots. For example, a user may prefer to usedifferent knots to attach different attachments (hooks, weights, lures,and/or additional line) to the line 400.

It is also appreciated that the knot tying tool 100 and associatedmethods of using the knot tying tool 100 may be used to form a knot in acord 400 without an item of interest. The knot tying tool 100 may thusbe used to form a knot in a cord 400. Therefore, the knot tying tool 100has many different uses. Further, the use of the knot tying tool 100 toform a knot with a fishing line around a fishing hook is merely onecontext in which the knot tying tool 100 may be used. The knot tyingtool 100 may be used in many other contexts as well.

As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the knot tying tool 100 may comprise anumber of different components. The different components can include ahousing 200 and an insert member 300. These components are showindividually in FIGS. 2A-D and 3A-C. In certain embodiments, the insertmember 300 can be removed from the housing 200. In other embodiments,the insert member can move within the housing but is not removedtherefrom.

As shown, the insert member 300 may be advanced into the housing 200. Acord 400 may be inserted through the insert member 300 and the housing200. As shown in FIG. 1A, the insert member 300 is aligned with thehousing 200 such that the cord 400 may be inserted through an end of thetool or through a side slit. The cord 400 may comprise a proximal end402 and a distal end 404 (FIG. 1B).

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the knot tying tool 100 including thehousing 200, the insert member 300 and the cord 400. As shown, theinsert member 300 has been rotated relative to its position as shown inFIG. 1A. In this configuration, the cord 400 is prevented from exitingthe knot tying tool 100 through the side slit as the respective slits inthe two components are no longer aligned. The knot tying tool 100 may bechanged between the two configurations shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B bychanging the relationship of the components, such as by rotating theinsert member 300.

Looking now to FIGS. 2A-2D, various views of the housing 200 are shownand will be described. FIG. 2A is a rear, right, bottom perspective viewof the housing 200. FIG. 2B is a front, bottom, left perspective view ofthe housing 200 from the rear, right and bottom. FIG. 2C is a right, topperspective view of the housing 200. FIG. 2D is a bottom, left, rearperspective view of the housing 200. The housing 200 and its associatedfeatures may be made from various materials. The housing 200 may be madefrom a metal, plastic, polymer, rubber, ceramic, glass, and/orcombinations thereof. The housing 200 may be formed entirely of the sameor similar material. In some embodiments, the housing 200 may be madefrom various different materials. For example, the housing 200 may bemade from plastic as well as rubber. This is merely an example and othermaterials and combinations are possible. In some embodiments the tooland by co-molded of a first plastic material and a second softer, moreflexible, and/or tacky material.

The housing 200 may include a proximal end 202 and a distal end 204. Thehousing 200 may be elongated from the proximal and 202 to the distal end204. The proximal end 202 of the housing 200 may include a proximalopening 214. As shown, the proximal opening 214 is circular. In someembodiments, the proximal opening 214 may have a different shape. Forexample, the proximal opening 214 may be rounded but not circular, or itmay be a different shape with flat sides, or combinations thereof.

The proximal opening 214 may be an opening of a first inner chamber 210.The first inner chamber 210 may be a hollow interior channel of thehousing 200. The first inner chamber 210 may define a longitudinal axis102. In some embodiments the first inner chamber 210 has a circularcross-section and the longitudinal axis 102 is at the center of thecircular cross-section.

The first inner chamber 210 may extend from the proximal opening 214 toa distal opening 216. The distal opening 216 may have the same or adifferent shape as the proximal opening 214. As shown, the distalopening 216 has a circular shape. Therefore, in some embodiments, thefirst inner chamber 210 extends from the proximal opening 214 to thedistal opening 216 and has a circular cross-section throughout.

The housing 200 may further comprise a main body or first portion 220.The first portion 220 may include the proximal opening 214. The firstportion 220 may include a first portion of the first inner chamber 210.The housing 200 may further include a projection or second portion 230.The second portion 230 may extend from the first portion 220. The secondportion 230 may include a second portion of the first inner chamber 210.Therefore the first inner chamber 210 may extend from a proximal opening214 in the first portion 220 and terminate at the distal opening 216 atan end of the second portion 230. A change in outer shape between thefirst portion 220 and the second portion 230 can form a shoulder.

The housing 200 may further include a holder 240. The holder 240 mayextend from the second portion 230 at the distal opening 216. The holder240 may extend from the distal opening 216 to the distal end 204 of thehousing 200. Therefore, in some embodiments, the distal end 204 of thehousing 200 is on an end of the holder 240. The holder 240 has agenerally rounded cross-sectional shape. By rounded, it is meant thatthe cross-sectional shape of the holder may be circular or other roundedshapes. As shown, the holder 240 has a semicircular cross-sectionalshape.

The holder 240 may include features configured to hold or otherwisesecure an item to the housing 200. As shown, the holder 240 includes acut-out or slit 242. The cut-out 242 is partially at the distal end 204.The cut-out 242 is a cut-out formed by surfaces of the holder 240. Thecut-out 242 can extend to and open at the end of the holder, though thisis not required. In some embodiments, the cut-out 242 can pass throughthe holder, while not extending to the end.

As illustrated, the cut-out 242 is a wedge-shaped cut-out with the widthbeing greatest at the distal end 204. The wedge-shaped cut-out 242 has adecreasing width in a direction along the longitudinal axis 102 awayfrom the distal and 204. The wedge-shaped cut out 242 is shown as a “V”shape. However the cut-out 242 may have other shapes. Further, thewedge-shaped cut-out 242 is merely an embodiment of a feature configuredto hold an item of interest. Other features and parts may be implementedto hold the item of interest. The cut-out 242 may formed from arubber-like material, or may include a rubber-like insert or coating tofacilitate with securing an item of interest to the housing 200. Asshown, a rubber insert is located inside the cut-out 242. In someembodiments the cut-out 242 may include other materials. Rubber ismerely one example and other suitable materials may be used.

The first portion 220 of the housing 200 is shown with a cross-sectionalshape with an outer perimeter that is generally rectangular. The outerperimeter of the cross-section is defined by the outer surfaces of thefirst portion 220. The outer surfaces may include a top surface 222, abottom surface 224, an upper right side surface 226, a lower right sidesurface 227, and a left side surface 228. A cross-section of the firstportion 220 may also include a circular inner perimeter defined by thefirst inner chamber 210. Both the inner and outer perimeters may havedifferent shapes then those shown, such as square or elliptical.

The second portion 230 of housing is shown with a cross-section having agenerally rounded shape. Therefore, in some embodiments the secondportion 230 has a cross-section with a rounded outer perimeter as wellas a rounded inner perimeter defined by the first inner chamber 210.

The first 220 and second 230 portions have different shaped outerperimeters to their respective cross sections. This difference in shapeand/or size between the two portions can be used to the advantage of theuser when tying a knot, as will be explained below. However, in someembodiments the first portion 220 and the second portion 230 may havethe same or similar shaped outer perimeters to their cross-sections.Further, the second portion 230 may have a similarly shapedcross-section as the holder 240. As shown the second portion 230 and theholder 240 share a surface 244 as best shown in FIGS. 2B and 2D.However, in some embodiments the second portion 230 and the holder 240may not have the same or similarly-shaped shared surface 244.

The housing 200 may include a first slit 212. The first slit 212 may beformed by various surfaces of the housing 200. The first slit 212 may beformed by surfaces of the first portion 220 and the second portion 230.As shown, the first slit 212 runs or extends in a longitudinal directionalong the first portion 220 and the second portion 230. The first slitalso extends and connects to both the proximal opening 214 and to thedistal opening 216 of the first inner chamber 210. The first slit 212provides access to the first inner chamber 210. The first slit the 212provides access to the first inner chamber 210 from the right side ofthe housing 200 as best shown in FIG. 2C. The first slit 212 is inbetween the upper right side surface 226 and the lower right sidesurface 227 of the first portion 220 and continues in a distal directionthrough the second portion 230.

The first slit 212 may run in a direction that is substantially parallelwith the longitudinal axis 102. In some embodiments, the first slit 212may run in a different direction or directions. Therefore, by“longitudinal” it is understood that this refers to a direction that isgenerally similar to but need not be precisely aligned with or parallelto the longitudinal axis 102. As shown, the first slit 212 extends fromthe proximal opening 214 to the distal opening 216. Therefore, the firstslit 212 provides access to the entire length of the first inner chamber210.

The housing 200 may further include a protrusion or lug 250. The lug 250may extend from the housing 200 in a direction that is different fromthe direction along which the longitudinal axis 102 runs. In someembodiments the lug extends from the housing 200 in a direction thatintersects the longitudinal axis 102. As shown, the lug 250 extends in adirection that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 102.In some embodiments, the lug 250 is not perpendicular to thelongitudinal axis 102. For example, the lug 250 may extend from thehousing 200 in a direction that is at an angle with the longitudinalaxis 102 that is different from 90°. As shown, the lug 250 has agenerally rectangular cross-sectional shape. The lug 250 maybe formedfrom the same or similar material as other parts of the housing 200,such as metal, plastic, etc.

The lug 250 extends from the proximal end 202 of the housing 200.However, the lug 250 may extend from other locations on the housing 200.In some embodiments, the lug 250 may extend from a more distal locationof the first portion 220. In some embodiments, the lug 250 may extendfrom the second portion 230. Other suitable configurations are possible.

The housing 200 may include various features (termed here as “anchors”)that 1) assist with securing the cord 400 and/or an item of interest orthat 2) may be used to wrap the cord around. In some methods, the cordcan wrap around an anchor, and a user's finger or thumb can hold thecord against the anchor. The housing 200 may include a first anchor 252,a second anchor 254, a third anchor 256, a fourth anchor 258 and a fifthanchor 259. In some embodiments the housing 200 may include fewer ormore anchors. In some embodiments one or more anchor can also have asharp edge that can be used to cut the line after tying the knot. Theknot tying device may also have a separate sharp edge that can be usedfor this purpose.

As shown, the first anchor 252 is located near an end 251 of the lug250. The first anchor 252, as well as any of the other anchors, may beformed from a rubber or rubberlike material. The anchors can be the sameor a different material as the rest of the tool, such as plastic ormetal. As shown in FIG. 2A, the first anchor 252 is a rubber extensionin a notch 253 formed by surfaces at the end 251 of the lug 250. Thecord 400 may be secured to the first anchor 252 by running the cord 400in between the notch 253 of the lug 250 and the first anchor 252.

The second anchor 254 is located on a left side 255 of the lug 250. Thesecond anchor 254 has a similar shape as the first anchor 252. However,the anchors need not have the same shape nor be made of the samematerial or materials. As shown, the lug 250 has a notch 253 in the leftside 255 in which the second anchor 254 is located. The cord 400 may besecured at the second anchor 254 by running the cord 400 in between thenotch 253 on the left side 255 of the lug 250 and the second anchor 254.

The third anchor 256 may be secured to the housing 200 at a locationthat is between or that spans the first portion 220 and the secondportion 230. As shown, the third anchor 256 is coupled with an endsurface 225 of the first portion 220. The third anchor 256 protrudesfrom the first portion 220 with a curved shape. The third anchor alsohas a cutout as best seen in FIG. 2B. The third anchor 256 has a roundedor hook like shape with one end of the third anchor 256 coupled with thehousing 200. The cord 400 may be secured to the third anchored 256 byrunning the court 400 in between the third anchor 256 and the housing200.

A fourth anchor 258 may be located on the first portion 220 of thehousing 200. As shown and as best seen in FIG. 2C, the fourth anchor 258may be located on the top surface 222 of the first portion 220. Thefourth anchor 258 may be made of the same or similar materials as theother anchors. The fourth anchor 258 may therefore be made from rubber,however, other suitable materials may be used. The cord 400 may besecured to the fourth anchor 258 by wrapping the cord 400 around thefourth anchor 258. For example, the fourth anchor 258 may be a short nubon the housing 200, and the cord 400 may be secured to the fourth anchor258 by wrapping the cord 400 around the nub. In some methods, a user'sthumb can secure the cord wrapped around the fourth anchor 258.

A fifth anchor 259 may be located in or on the holder 240 of the housing200. The fifth anchor 259 may facilitate securing the cord 400 and/or anitem of interest to the housing 200. The fifth anchor 259 may thereforefacilitate securing an item such as a fishing hook to the housing 200.The fifth anchor 259 may be formed from the same or similar materials asthe other anchors. The fifth anchor 259 may therefore be a rubber orrubberlike material. As shown, the fifth anchor 259 may have a crosssection with a semicircular shape. In some embodiments, the fifth anchor259 may have a cross section with a generally rounded or “U” shape otherthan semicircular. The fifth anchor 259 may complement the innerperimeter of the cross section shape of the holder 240. The cord 400 oran item of interest may be secured to the fifth anchor 259 by pressingor otherwise placing the cord 404 or the item of interest in between theends of the fifth anchor 259. The fifth anchor 259 may thereforesurround or partially enclose the cord or item of interest, therebysecuring it.

In some embodiments, the fifth anchor is part of or an extension of thecut-out 242. For example, a rubber-like material can form part of thecut-out while also forming the fifth anchor 259.

Moving now to FIGS. 3A-3C, various views of an embodiment of an insertmember 300 will be described. FIG. 3A is a top side perspective view ofthe insert member 300. FIG. 3B is a bottom side perspective view of theinsert member 300. FIG. 3C is another bottom side view of the insertmember 300 where the insert member 300 has been rotated from itsorientation in FIG. 3B. The insert member 300 can be used with thehousing 200 in forming a knot in the cord 400. The insert member 300 canfacilitate running the cord 400 through the knot tying tool 100 and/orremoving a portion of the cord 400 from the housing 200.

As shown in FIGS. 3A through 3C, the insert member 300 includes an innercylinder 310. The inner cylinder 310 is configured to be inserted intothe first inner chamber 210 of the housing 200. As shown, the innercylinder 310 is cylindrical having a cross-section that is circular. Theinner cylinder 310 includes a proximal 312 and a distal 314 end. Theinner cylinder 310 extends from the proximal end 312 to the distal end314.

The insert member 300 may include a stop member 330. The stop number 330may be located at the proximal end 312 of the inner cylinder 310. Thestop member 330 has a width that is larger than the width of the innercylinder 310. As shown, stop member 330 has a generally circular shapeto its cross-section. The diameter of the circular stop member 330 maybe larger than a width or diameter of the first inner chamber 210 of thehousing 200. The stop member 330 also has a thickness. The stock number330 is configured to limit the movement or translation of the insertmember 300 inside the housing 200.

The inner cylinder 310 defines a second inner chamber 320. The secondinner chamber 320 is a hollow channel or cavity on the inside of theinner cylinder 310. The second inner chamber 320 extends from theproximal end 312 to the distal end 314.

The insert member 300 may be made from a variety of materials. Theinsert member 300 may be made from a metal, a plastic, a polymer,rubber, glass, ceramic, and/or combinations thereof. The insert member300 may be made from other suitable materials. Further, the insertmember 300 may be the same material or materials as the housing 200. Insome embodiments, the insert member 300 is made from materials that aredifferent from those of the housing 200.

The insert member 300 may include a second slit 316. The second slit 316may be formed or otherwise defined by the inner cylinder 310. The secondslit 316 may run or otherwise extend from the proximal end 312 to thedistal end 314. The second slit 316 is configured to align with thefirst slit 212 of the housing 200 when the insert member 300 is withinthe housing 200 (FIG. 1A). The width of the second slit 316 may be thesame as the width of the first slit 212 of the housing 200. In someembodiments, the widths of the first slit 212 and the second slit 316are different. For example, the second slit 316 may be wider or narrowerthan the width of the first slit 212.

The insert member 300 may further include a third slit 332. The thirdslit 332 may be formed from surfaces of the stop member 330 and/orsurfaces of the inner cylinder 310. The third slit 332 is therefore anempty or hollow space in the insert member 300. In some embodiments thethird slit 332 may align with the second slit 316. As shown, the thirdslit 332 aligns with the second slit 316 such that the cord 400 may beinserted into the second inner chamber 320 through the second slit 316and through the third slit 332.

The insert member 300 may include an opening 318. As shown, the opening318 may be in the inner cylinder 310. The opening 318 may be at and/ornear the distal end 314 of the insert member 300. The opening 318provides access to the second inner chamber 320 from outside the insertmember 300, and vice versa. The opening 318 is shown as a generallyrectangular cutout in the inner cylinder 310. In some embodiments, theopening 318 has a different shape. For example, the opening 318 may becircular or other shapes. As shown, the opening 318 is located on theinner cylinder 310 at a location opposite the second split 316. Theinsert member 300 may be rotated about a longitudinal axis defined bythe second inner chamber 320 to expose either the second slit 316 or thecord retrieval opening 318.

The inner cylinder 310 can be sized such that the opening 318 is outsideof the first inner chamber 210 when the insert member 300 is positionedfully within the first inner chamber. Thus, when the stop member isengaged with the proximal opening 214, the opening 318 on the innercylinder can be spaced distally from the distal opening 216 of thehousing. In some methods, an end 404 of a cord 400 can be passed throughthe opening 318. The insert member 300 can then be withdrawn from thehousing 200. This can cause the end 404 of the cord to pass throughportions of the cord 400 that have been wrapped around the housing 200.In addition, the different sizes and shapes of the first 220 and second230 portions of the housing 200 can help to ensure that the cord staysin place while the end of the cord is pulled through the first innerchamber 210.

FIGS. 4A through 4D show various views of the knot tying tool 100. Theknot tying tool is shown in these figures in an unlocked position. Itwill be noted that FIG. 4B shows a slightly different embodiment, alsoin an unlocked position. As shown, the insert member 300 has beeninserted into the housing 200. The insert member 300 may be inserted bymoving, translating, or otherwise positioning the inner cylinder 310into the proximal opening 214 of the housing 200. The insert member 300may be inserted into the housing 200 until the stop member 330 contactsthe proximal end 202 of the housing 200. The insert member 300 maytherefore slide within the housing 200. The insert member 300 may betranslated into the housing 200 such that the opening 318 is locateddistally of the distal opening 216 of the housing 200. In this location,the opening 318 is outside of the first inner chamber 210 of the housing200.

The insert member 300 may rotate within the housing 200. When the innercylinder 310 is inside the first inner chamber 210, the insert member300 may rotate. In some embodiments, the insert member 300 may rotateabout the longitudinal axis 102. The knot tying tool 100 may be placedin an unlocked position by rotating the insert member 300 inside thehousing 200 such that the second slit 316 of the insert member 300 isaligned with the first slit 212 of the housing 200. In this position,the second inner chamber 320 of the insert member 300 is accessible fromthe outside of the housing 200. As shown, in the unlocked position thesecond inner chamber 320 is accessible through the slits from the rightside of the knot tying tool 100 (left side in the embodiment of FIG.4B).

With the knot tying tool in the unlocked position, a cord 400 may enterthe second inner chamber 320 through the first and second slits.Similarly, a cord within the second inner chamber 320 may be removedfrom the knot tying tool 100 through the first and second slits when inthe unlocked position.

FIGS. 5A through 5C show various views of the knot tying tool 100 in alocked position. The knot tying tool 100 may be placed in the lockedposition by rotating the insert member 300 inside the housing 200. Fromthe unlocked position, the insert member 300 may be rotated such thatthe second slit 316 of the insert member 300 is no longer aligned withthe first slit 212 of the housing 200. The insert member 300 may also beslid into the housing and into the locked position without any rotation.In the locked position, access to the second inner chamber 320 from theside of the knot tying tool 100 is prevented. Similarly, in the lockedposition, access from the second inner chamber 322 to the outside of theknot tying tool 100 through the side of knot tying tool 100 isprevented. Therefore, once the cord 400 is inside the second innerchamber 320, the cord 400 cannot exit the knot tying tool 100 throughthe side of the knot tying tool 100 when the knot tying tool is in thelocked position.

The knot tying tool 100 may be configured in the locked position withvarious amounts of rotation of the insert member 300. All that isrequired is that the first slit 212 does not align with the second slit316. Therefore, the insert member 300 may be rotated various amounts toachieve the locked position of the knot tying tool 100. For example, theinsert member 300 may be rotated 5°, 10°, 15°, 30°, 90°, 180°, etc. toachieve the lock position of the knot tying tool. Other angular amountsmay be implemented.

Positioning a cord within the second inner chamber 320 and having theknot tying tool in the locked position can be an initial starting pointfor many methods of tying a knot with the tool 100. Thus, this mayrequire inserting the insert member 300 into the housing 200, advancinga cord through the aligned side slits and moving the insert member 300to form the locked position.

Looking now at FIGS. 6A-6G, another embodiment of knot tying tool isshown. The illustrated knot tying tool is similar to the previouslydisclosed device. FIGS. 7-7L illustrate a method of tying fishing lineto a hook with the knot tying tool of FIG. 6A-6G. The method steps caninclude the following:

-   -   1—Secure the hook to the cut-out on the holder of the housing        (FIGS. 7-7A).    -   2—Insert the line into the knot tying tool so that is within the        first and second inner chambers and so that the line also passes        through the hole on the hook (FIG. 7B).    -   3—Secure the line by twisting the inner cylinder placing the        tool in the locked position (FIG. 7C).    -   4—Push in the insert until the opening extends past the second        portion (FIG. 7D).    -   5—Wrap the line from the hook back to the anchor on the first        portion of the housing and secure with a finger or thumb (FIG.        7E).    -   6—Wrap the line around the second portion a minimum of 5 times        (FIG. 7F).    -   7—Advance the end of the line though the opening in the top of        the insert member and out through the proximal end of the insert        member (FIG. 7G).    -   8—Pull the insert member at least half way out of the housing        (FIG. 7H, 7I).    -   9—Remove the hook from cut-out and pull line off of housing        (FIG. 7J).    -   10—Remove line and hook completely from tool, pull hook while        holding both ends of line to begin to tighten (FIG. 7K).    -   11—Pull the end of the line away from the main line until tight        to form a hook knot (FIG. 7L).

It will be understood that the knot tying tool can be used to form anumber of other knots, for different purposes and in different ways.

For example, a method for tying a knot can comprise positioning a linewithin an inner chamber of an insert member of a knot tying tool;rotating the insert member with respect to a housing of the knot tyingtool to move the tool from an unlocked position to a locked position,wherein a first slit on the housing and a second slit on the insertmember are aligned in the unlocked position to allow a line to passthrough the first and second slits into the inner chamber; wrapping theline around the knot tying tool according to a desired type of knot;separating the insert member from the housing prior to tightening thedesired type of knot; and tightening the desired type of knot.

In some embodiments, a method can further include one or more of thefollowing. Threading a distal end of the line through a hole in theinsert member and into the inner chamber. Wrapping the line around aprotrusion. Wrapping the line multiple times around the housing.Attaching a hook to a holder at an end of the housing. Threading theline through an eyelet of the hook prior to wrapping the line around theknot tying tool.

Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certainpreferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond thespecifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodimentsand/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalentsthereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention havebeen shown and described in detail, other modifications, which arewithin the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those ofskill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplatedthat various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific featuresand aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within thescope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood thatvarious features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with or substituted for one another in order to form varyingmodes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope ofthe present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by theparticular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims that follow.

Similarly, this method of disclosure, is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that any claim require more features than areexpressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of fewer than allfeatures of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claimsfollowing the Detailed Description are hereby expressly incorporatedinto this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as aseparate embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A knot tying tool for forming a knot with a line,the knot tying tool comprising: an elongated housing with a proximal endand a distal end, the housing comprising: a first body portion having afirst outer cross-section; a second body portion adjacent the first bodyportion and having a second outer cross-section different from the firstouter cross-section thereby forming a shoulder between the first bodyportion and the second body portion; a first chamber defining andextending along a longitudinal axis, the first chamber being cylindricaland having a proximal opening in the first body portion and a distalopening in the second body portion located distally from the proximalopening along the longitudinal axis; a first slit running longitudinallyalong the housing from the proximal opening to the distal opening; and aholder extending from the distal opening of the first chamber, theholder having a cut-out at an end of the holder configured for securinga hook or line to the elongated housing; and an insert membercomprising: an inner cylinder rotatable and movable within the firstchamber; a stop member at a proximal end of the inner cylinderconfigured to limit translation of the inner cylinder within the firstchamber along the longitudinal axis; a second chamber extending throughthe insert member and configured to receive a line therein, the secondchamber having a proximal chamber opening and a distal chamber openinglocated distally from the proximal chamber opening along thelongitudinal axis; a hole to provide access through the inner cylinderto the second chamber, wherein the insert member is sized such that thehole is positioned distal of the first chamber's distal opening when theinner cylinder is positioned within the first chamber of the elongatedhousing with the stop member engaged with the proximal end of theelongated housing and adjacent the proximal opening of the innercylinder; and a second slit running longitudinally along the insertmember from the proximal chamber opening to the distal chamber opening,wherein rotation of the inner cylinder within the first chamber movesthe knot tying tool between a locked and an unlocked position, the firstand second slits being aligned in the unlocked position to allow a lineto pass through the first and second slits into the second chamber. 2.The knot tying tool of claim 1, wherein the cut-out on the holdercomprises a wedge-shaped cut-out.
 3. The knot tying tool of claim 1,wherein the cut-out comprises a rubber-like material.
 4. The knot tyingtool of claim 1, wherein the second outer cross-section is cylindricaland smaller than the first outer cross-section.
 5. The knot tying toolof claim 1, wherein the stop member has an outer perimeter larger thanan outer perimeter of the inner cylinder.
 6. The knot tying tool ofclaim 1, wherein the stop member has a circular outer cross section. 7.The knot tying tool of claim 1, further comprising one or moreprotrusions extending from the elongated housing configured for wrappinga line around the protrusion to assist in tying a knot.
 8. The knottying tool of claim 7, wherein at least one protrusion is positioned onthe first body portion adjacent the shoulder.
 9. The knot tying tool ofclaim 8, wherein a second protrusion extends from the first bodyportion, the second protrusion having at least one notch configured forwrapping a line around the notch.
 10. A method for tying a knotcomprising: positioning a line within an inner chamber of an insertmember of a knot tying tool; rotating the insert member with respect toa housing of the knot tying tool to move the tool from an unlockedposition to a locked position, wherein a first slit on the housing and asecond slit on the insert member are aligned in the unlocked position toallow a line to pass through the first and second slits into the innerchamber; wrapping the line around the knot tying tool according to adesired type of knot; separating the insert member from the housingprior to tightening the desired type of knot; and tightening the desiredtype of knot.
 11. The method of claim 10, further comprising threading adistal end of the line through a hole in the insert member and into theinner chamber.
 12. The method of claim 10, wherein wrapping the linearound the knot tying tool comprises wrapping the line around aprotrusion.
 13. The method of claim 10, wherein wrapping the line aroundthe knot tying tool comprises wrapping the line multiple times aroundthe housing.
 14. The method of claim 10, further comprising attaching ahook to a holder at an end of the housing.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising threading the line through an eyelet of the hookprior to wrapping the line around the knot tying tool.
 16. The knottying tool of claim 1, wherein the inner cylinder is simultaneouslyfreely rotatable and slidable within the first chamber.